Get Fit with Crystal Light Pure Fitness and BlogHer for a Chance to Win $1,000!

I do much better when I have a concrete goal in place. For me, I sign up for races and know that if I don't train for them, I'll be hurting (because I'll run them anyway since I already paid the entrance fee).

Amy blogs over at This Northern Life ( http://thisnorthernlife.com ).

Actually, it's the Crystal Light Pure Fitness that helps me keep in shape. Because of a major surgery I had when I was 21, I get dehydrated really quickly. Drinking the Ade drinks is sugary and fattening, and I try to keep relatively trim - so I drink the Rehydrate from Crystal Light. Actually have about four boxes of it in my cabinet, so I never run out and pour one packet into my water bottle per fill-up.

As for motivation, it's pretty much because of money. I moved to LA and started gaining weight because I don't walk here as much as I did in SF (although I walk more than most LA people). I joined the gym and started losing inches. I bought new clothes, and well, I can't gain weight again as I bought a lot of new clothes. So me being cheap helps motivate me to stay fit.

That, plus I like the calming part of yoga.

So yah, totally pimping it, but will be at BlogHer with my water bottle (which I always lose at BlogHer) and a backpack full of the Crystal Light hydration packets.

Now considered an elder, I still commute as much as possible on a bike. The exercise not only keeps me fit, it is a great way to enjoy the environment, no matter what the weather. Setting a goal of twenty miles a day, I am now training for a century (100 mi). And for my 61st birthday, an upgrade to a newer bike to help me attain that goal. Wheels and a bottle carrier, with occassional stops at country stores. Nothing like getting back on the bike after a quick visit with the old men on the bench!! Burning the rubber and the calories!

Feeling good by exercising motivates me, and I know I need to do it to feel good.

My motivation tips are: feeling less stressed after a hard workout! I love using Taebo (Billy Blanks new stuff w/ bands) I love playing volleyball and how great I feel after an awesome dig! Great motivation is also when I can fit into a size smaller:)

jmatek@wi.rr.com

I stay motivate by making small goals. Such as saying "I want to focus on losing one dress size, then when I accomplish that I'll go for one more" rather than "I want to hurry up and lose two dress sizes!". It makes it easier for me to accomplish and it lessens my chance of getting discouraged by a larger goal.

I have been a soccer player, and then a runner, since kindergarden. I stopped running when I was about 21 and decided, on my 27th bday, to start again. It has been slow progess, with injuries making it slower, but my body, confidence, blood test, and mood have all improved. Why would I want to lose all that?

Cutting soda out of my diet and I lost 16 lbs. in 3 weeks!
Lisa

I need music while exercising and well seasoned foods when dieting! It makes it more fun...

I got a job that requires me to work out all day long. When ever I pass a fountain, I grab a sip of water and wait for the pay off. So far, 30lbs. in around 5 months.

Health and fitness is not a chose, it's a lifestyle. I battle depression year round and the best antidepressant is staying active and being conscious of what I'm putting into my body.

Don't be too hard on yourself. Your body has its limitations, pushing them will ultimately lead you in the wrong direction. Know that, a little bit goes a long ways!

Working out with my husband keeps me motivated. I just need someone there to keep me dedicated

My motivation to keep working out and losing weight has been that every time I lose enough weight that my clothes are a little too big, I donate them. That way, if I gain any weight back, I have nothing to wear! I can't afford to buy clothes very often so I've found that it's pretty good motivation.

I get motivation from knowing that I will feel accomplished and strong after each workout. I have had periods of time during which I couldn't fit in exercise because the rest of my life seemed to be wresting control and time away from me. But remembering the feeling I’ll get after a workout is what always draws me back to working out. I am an adventure-seeker, and an additional plus of working out is that doing things like hiking up mountains and traveling through deserts is a lot easier when I have a stronger, healthier body.

@abba-labba: longevity rocks!
@ccboobooy: when on my own, I MUST have music!
@zahndrattina: Or taking the stairs instead of the elevator so one can conquer that task!
@seashellsweetie: This makes me VERY jealous. Swimming is my fave, but our public pool has very limited hours & it is very hard to get there :( BUT - good for you! Awesome!!! Swimming is the BEST!

Jenny Ingram writes at Jenny On The Spot ( http://www.jennyonthespot.com ) and wears glitter everyday. She also digresses over there on the Twitter @jennyonthespot ( http://twitter.com/jennyonthespot ).

I live in Florida and have my own pool five steps from my bedroom door. I am in it every day and it is my saving grace. The exercise is wonderful and it makes me feel so alive. I recommend swimming to everyone to stay fit and live a long and healthy life.

I do not like exercising so staying motivated is very hard for me. However, I find that if you force yourself to stand in front of a full length mirror with just a few clothes on, you will see all the work that needs to be done. I also try to focus on how out of breath I get say doing the stairs and tell myself that if I was thinner, I could do things so much easier.

I have to have my iPod blasting! If I didn't have my music, I would get very bored with my workout.

I am motivated to make healthy choices every day because I feel the difference when I make the right choice. I want to be an active old broad someday who doesn't rely on medication so I live smart and it will pay off in the long run for sure!

I don't "diet" either. I figure I need to live now how I will live all my life. The things I do that work now... need to be ones I can do forever. I totally agree!

Jenny Ingram writes at Jenny On The Spot ( http://www.jennyonthespot.com ) and wears glitter everyday. She also digresses over there on the Twitter @jennyonthespot ( http://twitter.com/jennyonthespot ).

Preach it sistah! You know it! {{{huuugs}}}

Jenny Ingram writes at Jenny On The Spot ( http://www.jennyonthespot.com ) and wears glitter everyday. She also digresses over there on the Twitter @jennyonthespot ( http://twitter.com/jennyonthespot ).

Wow! I love what you shared here! It sounds a lot like my journey that began 10 years ago... I began making small changes that built on each other. I'd LOVE to hear more about how it goes! It sounds like you have a definitely plan for success :)

Jenny Ingram writes at Jenny On The Spot ( http://www.jennyonthespot.com ) and wears glitter everyday. She also digresses over there on the Twitter @jennyonthespot ( http://twitter.com/jennyonthespot ).

Definitely - doing something you love is a KEY to success in fitness! P.S. I luuuurve Zumba! Any dancing, really!

Jenny Ingram writes at Jenny On The Spot ( http://www.jennyonthespot.com ) and wears glitter everyday. She also digresses over there on the Twitter @jennyonthespot ( http://twitter.com/jennyonthespot ).

If I do not have people with me, I MUST have music! The frozen yogurt sounds like a nice plan too!

Jenny Ingram writes at Jenny On The Spot ( http://www.jennyonthespot.com ) and wears glitter everyday. She also digresses over there on the Twitter @jennyonthespot ( http://twitter.com/jennyonthespot ).

I try to make exercise not feel like exercise. Walking my dogs through our field/woods is a great way. I always take my camera which makes it feel like that is the task at hand. Keeping up with the dogs is the real exercise =)

I try not to "Diet" though, just make healthier choices and sensible proportions. For me when dieting, you are taking things away, like a punishment. I try to reward myself now and then with a treat. By telling myself "You can't have a milkshake!" I am making myself want one more. I tend to keep snack size ziplocks of carrots, raisins and celery around to reach for instead of chips. If they are quick and handy I tend to reach for those. A handful of unsalted almonds are my godsend! They are satisfying when I need between lunch and dinner snack.

forgingahead.wordpress.com

I've discovered through trial and error that the better I train for a race, the easier it is on my body. That's a big motivator for me. If I'm going to do that triathlon I better put in the training to be able to complete the race injury free!

June 7th was my birthday and the start of a new year for me. While most people make New Year's Day resolutions I set goals with each birthday. Last year I lost 20 lbs by modifying my diet to include less refined sugar in my coffee. By simply cutting 3 teaspoons down to 1 teaspoon in a 12oz cup the pounds melted away without much effort. This year my goal is 25 lbs. The difference is that I want to incorporate walking at least 3 times a week for about 30-60 minutes into my routine. That will involve more discipline because I have to set aside the time from the rest of my activities. This week the weather was a big help because the rains finally let up and it felt good getting out in the warm sun. Found a great park that has a .8 mile cement path around its small lake that is both clean and scenic so you don't think about the walking while your looking at how beautiful it is. I only plan on weighing myself once a week so I won't feel pressured to lose something day to day. I'll keep you posted on how I do by the end of these 8 weeks.

Julie O'Hara
A Mingling of Tastes ( http://www.aminglingoftastes.com/ )
Being able to enjoy food is a big motivator; I have a food blog and develop recipes for a living, so if I didn't exercise, things would go downhill fast. I've always been into fitness and it's a part of my life, so NOT exercising isn't an option. I also love to look good in clothes. My best tip is this: find a fitness routine that's fun. I love to dance. I'm addicted to Zumba and also take samba lessons, so I look forward to my workouts.

I enjoy excercise, I try to keep it fun though, like chasing my kids around the park. I enjoy running, but only if I have some good music to listen to. Or taking a walk with my friends to get frozen yogurt(hey, at least we walked!).